JIM BRUCE - SALES MARKETING

Maps

Rarotonga is twenty degrees south of the equator. Maui
is twenty one degrees north of the equator. Similar, but opposite
weather patterns. (Dress for the weather)
Air New Zealand flies to Rarotonga from Los Angeles, Honolulu,
Papeete, Nadi & Auckland.

Cook Islands Map

15 islands, 13 populated, reaching from 10 ° to 23
° South of the Equator. Population : 21,000.
Air Rarotonga flies between the Southern Cooks 5 to 7 times per week
& to the Northern Cooks weekly.

Rarotonga Map

Highest point is 653 meters above sea level, 26 square
miles, 24 miles around, population - 13,000. The capital is Avarua
and the "financial center" is Trader Jacks.

Aitutaki Map

Highest point is 124 meters above sea level, 7 square
miles and 8 miles around. Lagoon is 23 miles around, population -
1,500 .
Air Rarotonga has 3 flights a day from Rarotonga, except Sundays. A
two or three day stay is great, but a one day tour is essential.

Ordering Reference Material

"Cook Island Companion" by Elliot
Smith$19 (US)(includes shipping for US + $2 for Canada). I
feel it is the best guide book available. Because of its detailed
information it is essential for anyone planning a trip.

There are no elaborate hotels, no ridiculously expensive restaurants
and not one traffic light. Instead, you will find a true South
Pacific paradise, with beautiful, friendly people who are happy to
welcome you. Their greeting is Kia Orana (key-o-rah-na),
meaning "Here's Life". In the Islands you will come
to know what this means.

HISTORY AND A LITTLE ABOUT THE PEOPLE

The Cook Islands include both volcanic islands and coral atolls. The
Cook Island Maori (native) is Polynesian as are the natives of New
Zealand, Tahiti and Hawaii. They migrated through the South Pacific
during the 7th and 8th centuries.

The country is named after Captain James Cook who was the first
European explorer to sight the island of Atiu. The Cook Islands have
been an independent nation for 26 years with a parliamentary
government. They are a protectorate of New Zealand. The people speak
Cook Island Maori and English.

The Islanders have preserved much of their culture. Religion is an
important part of life in the Cooks and the churches have had a vital
role in keeping the culture alive and thriving. As a visitor you will
find the Cook Island culture fascinating.

FOOD - What
and where to eat

Prepare to enjoy the foods of Polynesia. A wide variety of fresh
seafood, tropical fruits, chicken, coconut, pork, fresh vegetables
and New Zealand lamb.
Trader Jacks
(perfectly located on the water in Avarua), Portofino, P.J.'s,
Ronnies and the Cook Corner Cafe are just a few of the fun
restaurants. The prices, you will be delighted to find, are
very reasonable. Some restaurants are open on Sunday;
otherwise, most are closed on Sunday except for the hotels.You may
cook your own meals if your unit has a kitchen. It's fun to shop for
your supplies in the island stores. You'll be surprised to find
different groceries available.

Rarotonga brews its own beer, Cooks Lager, which you will enjoy. A
large variety of beer, wine and liquor are also available (including
Jack Daniels).

WHO'S WHO - Yesterday & Today
The Present is the past!
Who knows these two young guys??
Probably just a couple of Yatchies!!!

Avarua, the capital, has full service banking, e.g.
WestPac
Bank. You can change money at the airport and at most hotels. The
Cook Islands have their own very interesting currencies and coins
(only exchangeable in the Cooks) which are interchangeable with the
New Zealand dollar. The dollar coin, two dollar coin, and three
dollar bill are popular souvenirs. The Cooks also have offshore
banking facilities. Most credit cards are accepted throughout the
Islands.EXCHANGE RATES
SITE

The Cooks are a group of 15 islands below the Equator, 2,600 miles
south of Hawaii. They lie midway between Tahiti on the east and Samoa
and Tonga on the west. The southern Cooks are 7 islands between
17° and 22° south of the Equator. Rarotonga, the largest
island and the capital, is 21° south of the Equator, just as
Maui is 21° north of the Equator. The climates are similar.